Śrauta rites — the great Vedic sacrifices

Śrauta rites follow the Śrauta Sūtras and are based directly on śruti, the Vedas. They need three sacred fires and several specialist priests, and include rites such as the Agnihotra in its full form, the new- and full-moon offerings, and the Soma sacrifices.

Today they are rare and kept alive by a small number of dedicated families, especially in parts of South India and Maharashtra. Most families will only see one as a special public event.

Three fires

Karmakāṇḍa — the ritual way · Ask a Jyotishi your own question